I welcome you glady, sweet spring.

"April showers, usher in this spring. Will you come, with your gentle mists and torrent downpours? Will you come, oh winds of spring, blowing in breeze, afresh, alive, anew? Dear sunshine, will you peek out from the winter's clouds, and bring forth your light? I welcome you, sweet season. Fall down from heaven, raindrops of mercy, of grace. Heal this land."

Experiencing my second round of a spring season in Salt Lake City has been an amazing opportunity. It is this time of year that the snow is melting off the mountains, the city air is crispier and cleaner, green bulbs are forming on backyard branches, pinks and whites are starting to line downtown streets, and falling asleep to an open window of gentle rainfall is cherished. I’m finding freedom in spring’s symbolism.

There is a song that I have recently been replaying over and over, which has set the tone for this particular season; it holds a personal, favorite lyric that says “from the broken earth, flowers come up, pushing through the dirt.” Appropriate? Definitely. The season is also a personal reflection of the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing that Jesus has brought me through, over the years and now recent times. Being “wholly his,” allows him to make beautiful the heart, watering the seeds within to “push through the dirt.” Theretofore, I love spring, in all that it is entailing!

This April marks one year and eight months of residency in Utah. I would like to share a very current epiphany that took place, as I was in conversation with my roommate just earlier this evening, about the adventures thus far in this Utah expedition. I’ve drawn a conclusion that I have gotten to know Salt Lake City pretty well at this point. The whole first year that I lived here my goal was to stay in the background and get to know the culture best I could. The first year included various jobs such as the Wellness Center, Spoon Me, Whole Foods, Lenitech Snow and Skate, Nannying Bellah and Kalen, and Bryant Intermediate. The Lord moved me in and through each of those jobs all in his timing, with the beginnings and endings of each. As I reflect on the ins and outs of the relationships with the co-workers of each job, I can now see how the Lord was getting me very well-acquainted with almost each “type” of person or “group” in Salt Lake City…there are only a few categories! I praise Him for his wisdom, and giving me what I needed here to bring a deeper social understanding of Utah. Little did I know what His plan was.

Moving on to further updates, it is overwhelming to actually say that I am a student again. As I am concluding my second semester at the University of Utah, it is safe to say that the past year of school has been amazing to be a part of. Through being a student at the “U,” it has opened doors to attend classes at the LDS Institute of Religion, which is right on campus. The first semester I took a class on the Old Testament with my friend Hilary, who is also a believer. Her and I were a little team by the Spirit in there. It was through my experience at Institute that I experienced my first “real” spiritual adversity. I’m so thankful for the protection I have in Jesus’ name.
As I am a student, words cannot express the joy that fills my heart as I walk around on campus with able knees, a sound mind, and body that is mostly pain-free. Praise God. There are no words. First semester I enrolled in classes towards Journalism. As I went through all the mass media courses, I realized, that as I do love to write, and as a career of a journalist is exciting indeed, it did not seem to be the perfect fit for me. With all that would be required of a true, sold-out journalist, I could not see a “set” position like such in my future. I still have some doubts about leaving that dream, but have chosen instead to set my sights on a bachelor of arts in speech communication. I’ve really enjoyed this semester’s courses, and believe that this major will leave a broader door of opportunity for career. It also fits better with the true dream that I hold, or that the Lord gave me, which is being able to advocate for the treatment which has healed my body from Lyme Disease (the treatment has not been passed by the FDA for the past 70 years). Significant and exciting developments and resources for this dream to take place have been nothing short of direct answer to prayer. So you could say that the groundwork has already begun with that project. More on that, later!

I have about three weeks of semester left, and am enrolled for a crunched summer session lasting from May until the end of June. The month of July will be dedicated to the Bay Area, which I am highly anticipating. There is so much that I am looking forward to, such as holding my baby niece Tessa Grace, spending time with precious Audrey and lovable Eli, as well as my family and relatives. It will be a month of “root” relationships. I will be staying with my cousin Kate and her husband Cory, in their extra room. It will be so refreshing to visit Hope Center and re-connect with the body there. And lastly, both of my best friends (Emily and Katie, roommates from APU) are getting married in the Bay Area! I am in both of the weddings and am already busy planning parties for them (their weddings are 12 days apart). Yahoo, cannot wait! The month will conclude with Mom’s birthday, and a close, dear friend from Utah, Nicole coming to visit northern California for the first time. She is planning to drive back with me. This is the tentative plan. I will have time to breathe, Lord-willing.


As far as relationships and connections here in Salt Lake, it is as though they are taking off and I cannot keep up. The past two months have been incredible to witness the work of the Spirit in specific relationships, such as my LDS friend Julianne. I will dedicate a whole blog to what has transpired with her. This relationship has ministered to me by experiencing the enduring, never-ending, and pursuing love of Jesus. He does not give up on us, and it has been overwhelming to witness. And his timing is perfect, because I think the lessons that I am learning are just what I have been needing for my own personal healing. What a dynamic God that I serve. There is another relationship at work that I’ve cherished since last semester: Natalie! The common ground with her began when we decided to be “study buddies.” While she was giving me her phone number I recognized the area code from the Bay. As we got to know one another, it turns out that she grew up LDS, and her dad was even a bishop. I was intrigued, as in the first conversation she just blurted out that she was at a place in life where she said she was open to learning other religions, as she knew Mormonism was whack. Um, green light Jesus? I think so. She ended up coming to church with me one Sunday and as she perused the bulletin she leaned over and asked, “Have you read through the whole Bible? I was wondering if we could read through it, get together once a week, and discuss it?” In my head I’m thinking, “Aren’t I supposed to be asking you this?” Oh the work of Jesus truly ministers to me! Her and I have gotten together but have yet to read through the Scriptures. Again, a story for another entry!

Other relationships have included Laura and Bethany, my two roommates. Again, God has totally and completely provided not only roommates, but women my age who love Jesus and have a deep relationship with Him. How encouraging to live in this house. We call our house, “The House of Refuge,” our place to come before the Lord together as sisters with one another, and daughters of the King that we serve. It is in this house that we can spiritually, emotionally, and physically rest from the invisible wars that are so active here in Utah. We really do trust that our house is a place of refuge and safety, and that angels guard over our home as “part” of our team. We get to openly pray together in our house, for our lives and for God’s spirit to break through and spread in this land of darkness, depression, and despair. Several groups of sister missionaries have come through and visited, and Monday nights at "The Refuge" have become an “organic” gathering of young Christian women to fellowship. I love witnessing how the Spirit moves.

Today's blog will conclude with a quote that has left me challenged, inspired, and convicted. I hope it does that same thing for you: “You can get into heaven my friend, without a lot of prayer. You can have a one-minute quiet time every day, and God will still love you, but you won’t hear a “Well done, good and faithful servant” on one-minute conversations with God. And you certainly can’t make it on that kind of prayer life in the hard places where Jesus is not known or worshipped.” – Floyd McClung

This has been my verse for the week. May it encourage you as well: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Paul (letter to Ephesians)

And lastly, if you want to check out the lyrics of the song that I was referring to above, go for it! Here is the link. Mind you, the video is not the highest quality, but it serves the purpose. Enjoy! (copy and paste the link below).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLxC_tYhFxs

Featured and recommended reading of the month: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard

Fall in Salt Lake City

Hello family and friends,

I've made it through one year here! August 28th was my Utah anniversary. I've been so thankful for the blessings of the Lord when I reflect on the past twelve months...

PROVISION. 1) The welcoming hearts and hands of Marcia and Ken Hornok to let me live with them. 2) The connections with my job at the Wellness Center, my first job last August. 3) Girls to live with...Cat Ryono and Robyn Thomas, who not only needed roomates as well, but moved here to Utah to minister to the Mormons. 4) The timing of the nanny position for Bellah being OFFERED to me last December, the very same day that the Wellness Center closed business. The previous week of being offered that position her parents were praying specifically for my availability to watch her. So it was seven days after they started praying that I told Bellah's mom about the Wellness Center closing down...she saw it as an answer to prayer and I saw it as provision! 5) The opportunities of ministry at Whole Foods Market....the many ex-LDS individuals there (the counter-culture of Utah), and God teaching me how to love in situations way out of my comfort zone...homosexuals! Thank you God, for your goodness to me. Thank you for seeing my needs Jesus, and for meeting them fully.

HEALTH. He has sustained my health and kept me strong. I've had excellent treatments for the Lyme out here. I haven't needed treatments as often, either, though I cannot be without them. I know that when my joints do ache a little more than normal that it is just the twinge of a reminder to the suffering my body has gone through, and how far it has come. The symptoms of Lyme Disease has been the thorn in my side that has caused me to be thankful for what I have. I've been able to go on some amazing hikes in Mill Creek Canyon, Sundance, and around Salt Lake City such as Ensign Peak. When I get to the top, I have so much joy! Thank you God, for sustaining my health and for keeping me strong enough to not only stay on my feet, but to be active in life.

NEED. Over this past year, I have learned that Salt Lake City is one of the most opportune places for a Christian to live. The reason why I believe this is because conversation of faith is not uncommon, and sometimes is even expected, such as at Temple Square. It doesn't surprise me anymore when I sit somewhere public here, and overhear talk of religion. It is not uncomfortable, but rather is in context of the culture. It is awesome! Salt Lake City is a place of religious discussion because of the foundations of the LDS church settling here. The city has an amazing preset for interfaith dialogue. For the Christian, it a gold mine to live here. It seems that the Holy Spirit has been active in bringing Christ-followers specifically to Salt Lake to share truth. It has been evident! The Christians here have a bond because we are the minority. We are a small, but mighty group! I've found that living here has sharpened my knowledge of the Word.

EVANGELIZING. There are too many stories to share in a blog. My perspective when moving to Salt Lake did not have clear and specific action. It was to share with them what the Lord says in matters of truth. The people who live in this culture weigh on my heart. I was open to whoever God brought into my path, and He has increased my trust in Him as He has proven Himself through the people He has brought to me.
Story: This last July I flew to Seattle for Sarah and Josh's wedding. Seating myself on the plane, I opened up a book to read until two travelers sat next to me. Right away the young woman and her husband introduced themselves to me. She was extremely friendly and outgoing in conversation, so I closed my book. As we got to talking, we shared similarities such as both growing up in the Bay Area and struggling with similar health issues (Lyme Disease and Lupus) for a majority of our life. So let me sum that up: both from the bay, around the same age, and battling similar diagnosis. At this point I started to wonder if God might be up to something. Hmmmm. I found that her and her husband had gone to BYU and had only been married three weeks...they lived in Provo, and were flying to Seattle for their reception. She asked me why I moved to Salt Lake from the Bay Area. I told her it was because it was where God called me to live. She asked me what I was doing in Salt Lake. I told her I was talking to people that God brought into my path, but specifically moved for the LDS culture....then I winked at her. It rolled into an interfaith for the rest of the flight. I found that her entire family was evangelical, but that she joined the LDS church on her own. Interesting. We exchanged contact and she actually e-mailed me a couple weeks later. I plan to keep in touch with her. Her name is Danielle, so you could be in prayer for her.

Another more recent story: My friend Jessica and I have been meeting with three young LDS women for the past five weeks. Two of them are serving as missionaries in Salt Lake. The third girl coming along with them is not a missionary, but is coming along with them to observe our dialogue. Interestingly, this third girl coming was raised evangelical and is the only one in her family who has joined the LDS religion, just eleven months ago. Her and I have common ground: she grew up playing softball and she is a nanny. God's been breaking my heart for her. Her name is Jessica. Her mom will not join the LDS church, and my hope is that her mom has been praying for her! It is evident that I am supposed to be talking with her. Pray for Jessica to see truth, and encouragement to pull away from what she had involved herself in. One of the missionaries, sister Lilly also grew up evangelical, and is the only one in her family to have joined the LDS church. She is intelligent, as she graduated from Stanford and also studied at Oxford. The only answer I have for her being dumb enough to be a Mormon is blindness. She is very intelligent. Pray that the Spirit unveils her eyes.

These are just a FEW, a FEW, a FEW examples of how the Lord's been faithful to bring specific people for me to talk to. It is so clear that He wants to use me here, the way he's used both believers and non-believers to speak powerfully into my life. God, I thank you for opportunities to share truth and I ask that my eyes constantly be opened to how your spirit is nudging me! I would like to share more stories, and plan to write more this week. I look forward to coming home for the holidays!

Sincerely,
Jill

"Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." Isaiah 44:8

Summer wrap-up

Little did I know what was in store for these past few months.
It was around February that I received a phone call from Emily when upon answering she said, "Jill I'm moving to Utah this summer." Since then, her and I were looking forward to being roommates once again, as at APU.
Emily and I were literally inseperable for the whole month of July.....really, we even shared my bed (good thing its queen size)!
Words cannot express how much the Lord has blessed me through that friendship!
It was a breath of fresh air and a HUGE rejuvenation to have Emily by my side those four weeks. I needed her.
We didn't have many funds, so we really enjoyed each other's company trying to find free events or spending time at the pool with Kate, (who is a friend of mine and Emily's that she went to high school with in the Bay Area, and now lives here in Utah). Another huge blessing was when Katie came to visit! A highlight was going out to the lake. I enjoyed my dear friend and was privileged to have her by my side as well. God is so good to me!

You'll see a few photos of Catherine (one of my roommates and good friends) and I in clothes soaking wet. You may think this is contradictory to a typical summer photo....well, that's because it is! Our sweats were soaking from a thunderstorm that we had just finished walking through around the block of our house (I know, not too smart). It was a late night that her and I were up talking, and as we heard the thunder rolling over us, the look of excitement came over each of our faces, as it was shortly suggested to go outside and witness the sky. I will never forget the gloriousness and wonder of this electricity that filled the desert air above us, and the freedom that filled my heart knowing that I serve a God who is so powerful and worthy of a such respect that could cause me to tremble and fall to the ground on my face. A night this vivid in my memory will live on.

I am still continuing to watch Sarahbellah (who is almost 1 and a half) during the weekdays, and she is a blessing as well. Shelby, (her mother and a friend of mine) drops her off at my house in the mornings. How convenient is that? Such a blessing! She is an extremely laid-back baby, who hardly gives me any tantrums.

Well, that is just a small update for now. I have much more to write, but that seems to be the typical case.
I'll be back sooner than later. Love you all.

An encouraging day

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 30-31

For those of you who have been praying for me, thank you. Sincerely, it is much appreciated! You are a part of God using me here. It has been foggy in the day-to-day in seeing how the Lord is using me, but He has definitely encouraged me amidst the trials I've been facing (James 1). I will share a few short stories of ways He has encouraged me!

A few months back, I was having an extremely discouraging day for various reasons. Most of the discouragement was inward, so I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and take a walk around the city (something I like to do from time to time). I ended up walking up to the temple, and sat in front of it with my ipod playing praise music. My mind was pensive, and melancholy together, as I mindfully talked to God and asked Him what impact I was even making in Utah. (How little my faith is!) (How easily I forget!) After spending a few moments at the temple, I decided to head back down through the city, continuing to listen to my ipod's worship music to attempt to get my mind in a better place. Strolling past the city library, a disheveled-looking homeless-like man stepped out of the front doors and caught my attention by giving me a friendly wave, and proceeding to tell me (from a distance) that he had something to tell me. (Might I remind you that my ipod was still playing music, but I was able to hear him tell me this from far away). My pace slowed to a hault as he drew nearer, making eye contact. I was not uncomfortable with this man, though I should have been, (being that he was a stranger), so I let him speak to me. He walked up to me, said nothing, and gently but firmly took my hand to put it out in front of my body. His eyes were clear (not on drugs), and his mentality was stable, as he finally said, "I know you are angry at the world right now; but you have a future." He reaffirmed me again saying, "You have a future." I asked him who he was, and he said it didn't matter. What he told me, at that specific timing, was what I needed to hear, though I had no idea that simple sentence was what I needed to hear. I realized that this man had spoken a promise to me, one that aligns with Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future..." This particular verse has held much weight in my life thus far, as it has been my foundation of hope through the Lyme Disease suffering. So of course when he spoke this to me in my discouragement, and lack of hope, it meant so much!

Well, this story continues....I thanked that man, (after breaking down into tears on the sidewalk right in front of him...I know, kind of embarrassing) and continued my walk back to my starting point. About 3 steps after I had left that man, another man came walking right beside me. He asked me if I was alright, and my response was immediately on gaurd, being that he was a stranger. He told me that I didn't need to cry, and that whatever it was that was bothering me, that I didn't need to be crying about it. He was sure of this. Then he asked, "Are you a Christian?" A little taken back, though very curious as to why he was asking me this (taking into mind what had just happened with the other stranger) I responded that I was, and asked him the same. Turns out this man was indeed a Christian, who had recently moved to Salt Lake. He shared with me that he had been attending the LDS church for the previous three weeks, however, out of pursuit for a woman that he was interested in. Right away, I was straightforward with this man, informing him that the Mormon church, though using the name of Christ, was in fact not Christ-following. He needed to know this, because I could tell by the way that he was talking that he was unaware of this. And, my greatest heartache here would definitely be to see an uninformed "baby Christian" looking into the LDS church as an option. We had an extensive conversation there on the sidewalk of the busy street, and as it came to a conclusion, this man told me that he strongly felt that our meeting was, in his words, "divine intervention." He proceeded to explain that he was not even supposed to be out on a walk that day, that his schedule for work was changed, but that he just had decided to go on a walk, and randomly met me. He could not get over this occurrence, and kept saying things such as, "you have informed me of a road of destruction," and over and over saying it was "divine intervention" and "what he needed to hear." Wow.

At the time, this all seemed a little surreal, this chain of events on the street, but as I had a chance to reflect later that night, I could totally see how, what seemed to me, the Lord was encouraging me. It made sense that he would use the first man to speak to me a simple promise that I have a future (to lift my head), and immediately after that, the Lord was showing me that He indeed was still using me for good here (with speaking truth to the second man.) So, in hindsight, God encouraged me and used me. Oh, how much He loves me and is taking care of me!

From this day I truly realized (which I needed to) that my faith is so little! I know that God is so patient and merciful with me amidst that. It is evident. He shows up just at the right time! I will never forget this day.

For a further update with recent events, I have been a full-time employee at Whole Foods in the bakery department since March. The crowd of co-workers there are all x-mormons, so I'm getting a good taste of the Utah counter-culture...which has...a very, very bitter taste for anything to do with religion. I sense a large amount of hurt and mistrust. It has been quite the challenge to be surrounded by this 40 hours a week, as the lifestyle of these people have been SO extremely rebellious (mostly with the homosexuality and partying). I know that Jesus is giving me grace to handle this...that is the only way. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle it!

My health needs prayer, as the fatigue seems to be getting to me. It's definitely the thorn in my side! I have found excellent rife treatment (for the Lyme) in park city which I am so pleased with. I've been taking a lot of hiking trips since my knees have been stable, which has been SUCH a joy to have! It is one of my favorite activites to do here. Although I am still suffering in the body, the Lord has provided means within that for sure, and it is so evident. Praise the Lord!!






"God has eternity before him. Only God has security. It is for us to follow humbly wherever God wants to lead, and blessed are those who stay faithful to the ways God inspires them to go and who do not, in order to please others, live with an uneasy conscience in the place where others believe security is to be found. Leave your kindred, cast off your false security, be converted to the Lord. That is the road without end of our faith's pilgrimage." - Oscar Romero

The Good, and the Bad!

Hello Family and Friends,

It has been about 6 months since I’ve moved to Salt Lake.

There have been relationships built here that are growing.

Some have seemed detrimental and have ended, but have been a learning experience for me. There is a culture here that I am learning to know more with time, that could be easy for me to not like at all, in human regards.

There have been circumstantial trials in my life that have taken place here that have seemed unjust (fired from job, car impounded, ect). Might I remind you also, that the first week out here I paid two visits to the emergency room!! Things of the like are hitting my two roommates as well, so please keep them in your prayers in this way also. I have to say though, that despite these things have happened the Lord has still taken care of me. Within 2 hours of losing my job, I was offered another by a woman I know! A week after this, my car was impounded, but I had the means to pay for this, which has been all in the Lord's provision for sure. It has been cool to see him working things out during the unexpected "hard times."

But Jesus is fighting for me. He has blessed me in very exciting ways. His provision of Christian friends out here has been abundant. He has sustained my health. He has opened a few clear opportunities of LDS friendships taking place. The most recent blessing that has surprised me by far has been the fact that Emily is planning on moving out here in June. I would be so encouraged to have her out here by my side! I am just blown away by the Lord's goodness to me. Also, every Sunday night I attend a class led by former Mormons who are now Christians. It's a powerful 10-week class, and I'm enjoying learning a lot from this older, married couple. They are missionaries here in Utah being used my the Lord to share the truth.

There is one LDS relationship in particular that has developed quickly and naturally; it has been very apparent to me that I am supposed to be in this friendship by the way it has been brought into my life. She is actually one of Emily’s best friends from high school (College Park). She lives out here in Utah, and ironically I ran into her at the 24 hour fitness when I first moved. Ever since, she and I have become great friends, as she invited me over to dinner with her husband (she just got married this summer). It was funny when I went over to her house because Emily was in her wedding, so I had already seen a lot of their wedding pictures. We talked non-stop and ever since have been going to yoga once a week, and random get-togethers. She is starting up a book club and recipe night that I am going to be a part of. This relationship is growing. Please keep this in your prayers! She is such a sweetheart and so fun. It will be fun when Emily gets here too, because then the three of us will get to hang out. God is so cool! =)

My dad was out here yesterday for business and we had lunch. It was good to see him. I gave him a miniature tour of Temple Square, so I've included some pictures from our little adventure. =)

As far as status, I am still single, for those at home who are wondering. I am seeking the Lord in that area of my life right now, and so far it seems that this is how it is supposed to be for the time, but it is still confusing in different ways. Pray for my heart!

As far as future plans, I am looking into going back to school and finishing, starting classes either this summer or fall. The University of Utah is in the prospects, majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in news/editorial. So basically I would like to be a journalist. I am excited to have some direction in this area.

I will share this quote with you, because the Lord has a lot of work to do in me concerning this area!
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I must die to myself daily for Christ to shine in this dark area as much as possible. This is a struggle for me, so know this when you think of me so you can pray for this.

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I have no words to express how much I need them, because I know that I am so weak without the Lord. Please know that I still believe very strongly that this is where I am supposed to be. I am hoping to come home for Stacey's baby shower in March! I can't wait to meet my nephew, and hang out with my niece again. I miss Audrey SO much!

Please feel free to email me to keep in touch! That would be the easiest way. I never turn down mail =)

Also, here is my new address:
654 Ely Place
Salt Lake City, UT 84102

And, my new phone number:
801-512-3240

Family and Friends!

Again I return with an update of the last few months. First of all, your prayers have been heard! What a better way to start a new update than to bring you the good news of a friend of mine coming to accept Christ as Lord of his life!

He is a co-worker of my roommate and as we had been getting to know him, my roommates and I could see how the Lord had been trying to get a hold of him prior to our friendship with him. He grew up in the church (Mormon) but as of about a year or so ago, had made a decision to leave (upon his own opinion that there was no peace or satisfaction for him involved with the church). Looking back on that part of his story, I can see how maybe this was the sure beginning of God's "evident" faithfulness to Jon's salvation. We could definitely see how the Lord had been bringing other believers into his life also, as in Utah, Christians are such a minority here, and how in Jon's life somehow his best friends and other relationships "happened" to be strong followers of Christ.

Through a few conversations with Jon (he's a deep thinker), both my roommate Cat and I agreed that he was "so close" to what would seem a semi-understanding of God's place in his life.

God has been SO FAITHFUL in bringing Jon to Himself. I can see that. I was so excited to hear a few things Jon had to tell me in one particular conversation also. It was late one night, and the beginning of a conversation about God opened up. He started to ask me a few questions about God. I knew that some of the things I had to tell him were Spirit-led, as I realized what I had actually said after it came out of my mouth. So cool! =) But what he began to tell me towards the middle of our conversation was that when he first met me, he "knew" that he was supposed to learn something from me, but didn't really know what that meant. How priveleged I felt that God would do something like that through me! Jon said he felt very sure and confident about this. To me, I could see God's faithfulness to Jon through this, but also a blessing to me of letting me see how he was using my obedience to follow where I believed He was leading me (Utah). I thought this the perfect opportunity to tell Jon a little bit of my story of the process of God's specific direction of my coming to this place, hoping that this might encourage Jon of God's love for him, being that God definitely had our paths cross while I am out here, and the timing of us meeting (I happened to be able to meet him when the seeds had already been planted) I was hoping he might have picked up on the idea that maybe he was one of the reasons God placed me in this area. We all know that God would do that for the love of one person! =)

About a week after this conversation, my roommate told me that Jon had communicated to her (they are close friends) that he had made a decision to submit his life to Christ. eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

"Thank you God for giving me opportunites to share and privileges of serving You!"




Please pray for Jon, as he is now going through some questions and emotional trials in his life. Does this surprise you? Please pray against the attacks that are coming his way.



I ask this to be your prayer of me:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
"11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."



Please continue to pray for my energy level(which prayer has definitely been answered for that), and also please pray for encouragement in the Lord for my roommates walk and building of relationships here (as there purpose for moving to Utah has also been the same as mine).





Much love, with a grateful heart,
Your friend, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister....

Jill